Category: Gaming

  • Lossless Scaling 3 Released: Up to 20x Frame Generation Mode

    Lossless Scaling 3 Released: Up to 20x Frame Generation Mode

    Lossless Scaling has been in the market for a significant time now, serving as a third-party paid tool that enables upscaling and frame generation for games lacking these features. Previous tests have indicated that it performs exceptionally well on gaming handhelds, enhancing the gaming experience on titles that usually struggle to run smoothly on integrated GPUs.

    New Features and Options

    Recently, the developers have launched Lossless Scaling 3, which comes with a variety of enhancements. Among the standout features are the new 10x and 20x frame generation options. While these modes might seem unrealistic due to the potential for introducing numerous artifacts that could hinder gameplay, they can be beneficial for running slower-paced games and emulators on less powerful systems, especially those with integrated GPUs like the Z1 Extreme ROG Ally, priced at $499.99 on Best Buy.

    Improved Performance

    In addition to the high frame generation modes, Lossless Scaling 3 also brings significant improvements to the more conventional 2x and 3x modes, which are better suited for the majority of games. According to the update notes, this new version aims for enhanced quality in both upscaling and frame generation, reducing flickering and minimizing border artifacts. Moreover, it addresses performance concerns, claiming a 40% decrease in GPU load in the 2x mode compared to its predecessor.

    User Experience and Feedback

    Another point highlighted is the reduced latency. The developers state that the 2x mode of Lossless Scaling 3 can provide a 24% boost in frame generation compared to the previous version. The user interface has also seen a makeover in the beta version, presenting a much cleaner design than earlier iterations.

    Early users of Lossless Scaling 3 have reported significant improvements when compared to the previous iteration. With these updates, the software appears to be a viable choice for titles lacking built-in frame generation and upscaling features. However, it’s important to remember that this software still functions as a system-level tool, and despite the enhancements, solutions integrated at the driver or game level remain superior. For more details on the update, check out the video linked below.

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  • HKC Unveils 27-Inch 2K 200Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor

    HKC Unveils 27-Inch 2K 200Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor

    HKC has introduced a brand new gaming monitor named G27H2 Pro specifically for the Chinese market. This monitor is available for a price of 1,049 yuan ($143) and can be found on JD.com. Now, let’s take a closer look at its main specifications.

    Key Specifications of the G27H2 Pro

    The G27H2 Pro is outfitted with a 27-inch flat Fast IPS panel that boasts a 2K resolution (2560×1440) and a pixel density of 109 PPI, providing remarkable clarity and vibrant visuals. It offers a wide viewing angle of 178°, ensuring that the image remains consistent from various angles.

    This monitor is capable of a refresh rate of 200Hz (when overclocked) and features a 1ms response time, which is perfect for seamless transitions, especially for competitive gamers. Furthermore, it supports 10-bit color (8-bit + FRC) and has HDR400 certification, enhancing contrast and color depth to create lifelike lighting and shadow effects.

    Color Accuracy and Technology

    The G27H2 Pro offers a coverage of 95% DCI-P3 wide color gamut, along with 125% sRGB volume and 102% AdobeRGB volume, providing professional-level color accuracy. It includes advanced color calibration, achieving an average Delta E<2, making it ideal for gamers and creators who require accurate color representation. The monitor incorporates HKC’s proprietary DIC technology, which helps to eliminate motion blur for sharp and clear visuals during fast-paced action.

    In terms of comfort, it features hardware-level low-blue light technology that minimizes harmful emissions without sacrificing image quality, which is great for long gaming sessions. Moreover, it includes an ergonomic stand that provides height adjustment, tilt, and 90° rotation, allowing users to tailor their viewing experience to their preferences. The monitor is also VESA wall mount compatible for additional flexibility.

    Connectivity and Gaming Modes

    For connectivity options, it is equipped with two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DP 1.4 port, and a 3.5mm audio output. The monitor features a compact hexagonal base that is well-suited for small desk spaces, such as dorm rooms, providing both stability and space efficiency.

    Additionally, it supports various gaming modes, including presets for FPS, RPG, and RTS, along with useful features such as a gaming crosshair, dark field enhancement, and FreeSync to ensure smooth, tear-free gameplay.

    Earlier this month, Alienware revealed a breathtaking 27-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor that includes Dolby Vision support. Around the same time, TCL launched the Thunderbird U6, another 27-inch 4K QD-MiniLED monitor, which features 98% DCI-P3 color coverage and a peak brightness of 600 nits.

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  • Best Free Open-World School Sim in UE5 Takes Over Steam Charts

    Best Free Open-World School Sim in UE5 Takes Over Steam Charts

    Return to Campus lets gamers experience school life again, but this time they can break all the rules without any real-world consequences. Players have the option to be good students who study hard and make friends, or they can choose to rebel by bullying others, demanding money for protection, stealing from stores, and even causing explosions at the school.

    A Unique Perspective

    The game is played from a first-person view, letting players see the world through the eyes of a student who doesn’t have much money. The developer, Nie Yuxing, is also busy working on a new game called Campus Fantasy, which is set to come out in the second quarter of 2025. This new title will show the life of a rich student and their own challenges.

    Impressive Graphics and Features

    Developed using Unreal Engine 5, Return to Campus features amazing graphics. The game includes an open campus filled with school buildings that players can explore freely. It also has a realistic day-night cycle that makes the school experience feel more genuine. However, it’s important to note that there’s no multiplayer option; Return to Campus is strictly a single-player game.

    Return to Campus is scheduled to launch on Steam on January 13 and the good news is that it will be free to play. For anyone who can’t wait to start the fun, there’s a free demo available right now. This demo might be the reason why this open-world school simulation is currently ranked as the top game in Steam’s “Popular Upcoming” list.

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  • AMD’s Frank Azor Criticizes Intel Arrow Lake-S, Blames Ryzen Shortages

    AMD’s Frank Azor Criticizes Intel Arrow Lake-S, Blames Ryzen Shortages

    There’s no question that Intel’s Arrow Lake-S series, particularly the Core Ultra 9 285K, has left many gamers feeling let down, despite some gains in efficiency and productivity. This disappointment, as noted by AMD’s Frank Azor in a chat with Tom’s Hardware, has resulted in an unexpected surge in interest for AMD’s new Ryzen 7 9800X3D Zen 5 chip.

    Criticism of Intel’s Performance

    Frank Azor didn’t hold back in his criticism. He called the Arrow Lake-S products “horrible,” clearly expressing his dissatisfaction with Intel’s lack of competitive offerings. “We knew we built a great part. We didn’t know the competitor had built a horrible one,” he said. He went on to explain that this situation contributed to the supply issues faced by AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

    Intel’s Promises vs. Reality

    Intel had previously assured users that microcode updates would improve the poor gaming performance that didn’t meet their expectations. However, it seems that many users feel the updates have, in some instances, worsened performance, offering only slight improvements that still don’t rival even the previous generation’s products. While Intel has achieved notable efficiency and productivity advancements, these do not compensate for its lackluster gaming capabilities, which could deter many potential buyers. This is particularly true when comparing it to the solid gaming performance of AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

    AMD’s Growing Popularity

    This scenario appears to be reflected in the sales figures, with AMD’s Ryzen 9 9800X3D selling significantly better than Intel’s offerings. Consumers eager to switch to AMD may face continued shortages, as AMD did not anticipate such high demand. As executive David McAfee has indicated, AMD is actively working to increase production. Nevertheless, due to the intricate nature of processor manufacturing, it might take another 3-4 months for supply to meet the rising demand.

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  • Elon Musk’s Funny Moment in Path of Exile 2 Game Play

    Elon Musk’s Funny Moment in Path of Exile 2 Game Play

    Elon Musk, who is well-known for juggling his love for gaming with his various business ventures and recent political activities, once again displayed his gaming passion during a live stream on X on January 7. In a session lasting over 90 minutes, the tech mogul showcased his high-level character from Path of Exile 2, attempting to demonstrate his alleged gaming prowess.

    Fans React to Musk’s Gameplay

    Viewers were surprised by Musk’s gameplay, but not in a positive way. His character, boasting an impressive level of 95, indicated not only a considerable time investment but also a notable skill level. Moreover, he possessed rare items that are difficult to obtain even for the most experienced players. Yet, Musk faced challenges with fundamental game mechanics, such as mixing up item requirements, trying to enter unreachable portals, overlooking mana flasks, and ultimately finishing the game run in a somewhat questionable manner.

    Doubts About His Gaming Skills

    Musk’s performance has raised doubts about whether he truly leveled up and equipped his character on his own. Numerous Reddit users have speculated that someone else may have prepared the character for him, and this isn’t the first time such suspicions have arisen. Back in November 2024, Musk set a world record in Diablo 4, only to later confront accusations of exploiting game bugs. The general feeling in the gaming community is that Musk doesn’t usually put in much time playing video games; rather, he tends to use gaming accomplishments as a way to attract media attention.

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  • Intel Unveils Lunar Lake Tencent 3D Gaming Handheld at CES 2025

    Intel Unveils Lunar Lake Tencent 3D Gaming Handheld at CES 2025

    Intel and Tencent have teamed up to create an exciting handheld gaming device that offers glasses-free 3D experiences. This gadget was first revealed in China in November last year and had its full reveal at CES 2025. As mentioned in the first announcement, this device is quite large.

    Notable Features

    Specifically, the Tencent 3D gaming handheld features an 11-inch display. This makes the Sunday Dragon bigger than the Legion Go, which is already considered quite large with its 8.8-inch screen. However, unlike typical handheld displays, the Sunday Dragon’s screen utilizes “naked-eye 3D” technology along with an “image interlacing algorithm.”

    This means the 120Hz display can provide “naked-eye 3D visual effects.” During the initial announcement, the company indicated that the device is optimized for various PC games, including Blade & Soul, Path of Exile, and Arena Breakout: Infinite. It remains uncertain if there have been any additional advancements in this area.

    Design and Functionality

    In a similar fashion to the Lenovo Legion Go, the joy cons of the Tencent Sunday Dragon are detachable. It also includes a built-in kickstand at the back, allowing users to place the device on a flat surface easily.

    Regarding specifications, the Tencent 3D gaming handheld is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. This is one of the high-end options from the Lunar Lake series and comes with the Arc 140V iGPU, positioning it as a strong competitor against the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and the upcoming Ryzen Z2 Extreme handhelds.

    Availability and Pricing

    As of now, there’s no information on when the Tencent Sunday Dragon will be available for purchase, and Intel has not revealed any pricing details either. Nevertheless, since it was showcased at CES 2025, it’s likely that it will hit the global market soon (Z1 Extreme ROG Ally curr. $499.99 on Best Buy).

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  • ASRock PG27FRS1A: 27″ FHD Curved Gaming Monitor 280Hz Refresh

    ASRock PG27FRS1A: 27″ FHD Curved Gaming Monitor 280Hz Refresh

    ASRock has just launched the PG27FRS1A, joining the competitive market of high-refresh-rate monitors. Featuring a 27-inch Full HD 1500R curved VA display, it has the key specifications needed for fast-paced gaming, but it doesn’t quite break new ground in terms of innovation.

    Refresh Rate and Response Time

    With an impressive 280Hz refresh rate and a rapid 1ms MPRT response time, this monitor is sure to attract esports enthusiasts who prioritize quick reactions and smooth visuals. These features, along with AMD FreeSync Premium, should help minimize motion blur and screen tearing. However, as higher resolutions are becoming the norm in competitive gaming, the choice of 1080p might feel a bit restrictive for gamers who desire crisper images.

    Color Performance and Contrast Ratio

    One standout feature is its coverage of 93% DCI-P3 and 127% sRGB, promising richer colors than typical gaming monitors. The 4000:1 contrast ratio adds depth to darker scenes, enhancing the viewing experience. Nevertheless, the relatively low brightness of 300 nits indicates that the PG27FRS1A isn’t suited for HDR content or brightly lit spaces.

    Design and Connectivity

    The ergonomic design is practical, offering tilt adjustments from -7° to +20° and swivel adjustments from -20° to +20°, but it notably lacks height adjustment, which is a miss for a monitor in this price range. Connectivity options are adequate, featuring two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a headphone jack, which should cover most needs. While built-in speakers are present, they are unlikely to satisfy audiophiles.

    ASRock has also added Low Blue Light Technology and flicker-free support, reflecting a commendable emphasis on eye comfort, making this display a good option for long gaming sessions. The 1500R curvature is engaging for certain game genres like racing or simulation, but may not be favored by all gamers, particularly those who prefer flat screens for competitive shooting games.

    Conclusion

    The PG27FRS1A checks many boxes for an entry-level gaming monitor aimed at competitive players. In an era where high refresh rates are becoming standard, it will encounter strong competition from other monitors that deliver higher resolutions, superior HDR capabilities, or more adjustable ergonomics. Regional availability is still limited, so interested buyers should confirm local stock before they decide to purchase.

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  • AMD FSR 4 Review: Enhanced Quality and Detail with ML Technology

    AMD FSR 4 Review: Enhanced Quality and Detail with ML Technology

    AMD’s CES announcement about RDNA 4 was quite unusual, with Team Red sharing details about the new graphics card generation in bits and pieces after the main reveal. Recently, independent tests carried out by Hardware Unboxed on YouTube (you can view the full video below) have largely validated many of AMD’s touted performance and quality enhancements.

    Impressive Performance Observed

    The Hardware Unboxed crew managed to get a glimpse of how AMD’s FSR 4 compares to FSR 3.1 during the CES 2025 event, using demo systems that showcased Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart on the latest Radeon RX 9070 GPUs. Their findings indicated a noticeable boost in upscaling quality, featuring sharper edges, improved antialiasing, and a reduction in overall visual artefacts.

    Visual Enhancements in 4K Mode

    In addition to visual enhancements, these upgrades were particularly evident in 4K Performance mode, which has not been FSR’s strong suit in earlier assessments. The most obvious improvement is seen in small, fast-moving details, such as particles, where FSR 3.1 has difficulty with edges, resulting in pixelation and unclear details. The fur on Ratchet also shows a significant upgrade, with FSR 4 offering much finer hair texture compared to FSR 3.1, even though some smoothing is still present.

    Clarity in Distant Elements

    Elements that are further away, like guard rails in the crowd stands shown in the footage, are rendered much more distinctly with FSR 4 in contrast to FSR 3.1. Enhancements are clear in reflections, transparent surfaces, and holographic effects, which exhibit less detail distortion when utilizing FSR 4.

    One of the major updates in FSR 4 is that the upscaling technology now employs machine learning, akin to Nvidia’s DLSS, which has traditionally been seen as superior to AMD’s offering. If AMD’s FSR 4 can deliver the improved quality suggested by Hardware Unboxed, it may revolutionize the upcoming gaming handhelds equipped with RDNA 3.5 iGPUs—assuming AMD permits FSR 4 to function on those iGPUs, as it is currently restricted to RDNA 4.

    Limited Testing Scope

    It is worth noting that this evaluation was conducted on just one game and a singular scene, which means it might not fully represent overall performance. Nevertheless, it’s quite remarkable to witness AMD making such significant progress in AI-enhanced upscaling. The Radeon RX 9070 XT and other GPUs in the 9070 series are anticipated to launch sometime in Q1 2025.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Release Window and Launch Titles Leak

    Nintendo Switch 2 Release Window and Launch Titles Leak

    This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has been happening all week long. Many new devices have been shown off at CES 2025, but the buzz about Nintendo’s upcoming console keeps growing. This excitement was partly fueled by Genki, which showcased various accessories called ‘NS2’ that were specifically made for the Switch 2.

    Leaks and Speculation

    Not long after, a popular leaker shared images of the console, which got even more attention when a Gamestop employee hinted at possible microSD Express support in another leak. Then, a member of Famiboards posted what they claimed was a picture of a working unit, which we have included above. This led to discussions among other members about the details visible in the image, particularly concerning the size of the console’s display bezels:

    If we assume the bezels are even, the screen height would likely be between 100-102 mm. By applying the aspect ratio for a 1080p display, we could estimate the width to be around 178-181 mm.

    Display Size Insights

    If these estimates hold true, the Switch 2 might have an 8 to 8.2-inch display, rather than the approximately 8.4-inch panel suggested by @OnLeaks just yesterday. Meanwhile, the r/NintendoSwitch2 subreddit has been buzzing with new theories from Average Lucia Fanatic, known for their accurate predictions about the PlayStation 5 Pro (currently priced at $699 on Amazon) before its launch.

    We advise caution regarding the details shown in the image below for the time being. For example, while it may seem plausible that Mario Kart 9 could be a launch title based on Nintendo’s history, suggesting a seven-year-old AAA game as a second option feels unlikely. Additionally, the conversion of CA$400 to about $280 would make it cheaper than the Switch OLED in the US. Ultimately, we will discover whether any of these initial claims are true in just one week’s time.

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  • Attach 8BitDo Micro and Zero 2 Controllers to Your Smartphone

    Attach 8BitDo Micro and Zero 2 Controllers to Your Smartphone

    8BitDo has come out with two of their smallest controllers, the Micro and Zero 2, which can be used with both Android smartphones and iPhones. Previously, users had to keep their phones flat or propped up to play. However, 8BitDo has introduced a new clip that allows you to attach either controller directly to your smartphone.

    A Handy Accessory

    The 8BitDo Micro/Zero 2 Mobile Clip is made up of three parts: one clamps onto the phone, while the remaining two serve as holders for the Micro and Zero 2 controllers. After selecting the controller and its holder, you can fix it to the clamping piece. This setup positions the controller on the bottom half of your screen.

    Ideal for Retro Gaming

    This clip is particularly suitable for retro games that display on the top half of the screen, while the virtual controls sit beneath. The 8BitDo Micro/Zero 2 Mobile Clip is available for $9.99. If you don’t own the Micro or Zero 2 controller yet, you will need to purchase one for an additional cost of $24.99 for the Micro or $19.99 for the Zero 2.

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